I completely understand where you’re coming from. One of the main reasons I decided not to become a certified MLS was because I think the job is too redundant, lacks a lot of growth, and the schedules can be horrible in my opinion. I went back and forth between MLS and Embryology because the pay of MLS is instantly better but I knew that long term, I would enjoy Andryology/Embryology so much more. I also have many years left of training so I don’t see myself being bored for a while. Your feelings are definitely valid though. I think what is also helping me as I’m now in my late 20s and already tired of working, is focusing on other things in life besides work. Traveling, dating, building a family, having a social life, etc. I love my job, but the first 2 years here I was definitely over thinking everything. I would constantly question whether or not this job is for me and will I want to do this forever. Once I started enjoying life outside of work again, it changed how I feel about work.
Thanks for sharing & glad you are enjoying embryology! You’re right about focusing on life outside of work. I didn’t feel like this up until recently, so I think getting back to prioritizing personal life would help.
I hear ya. I’m 46 and I feel like I’ve arrived at a crossroads professionally and you’re describing exactly how I feel. I started watching your channel because of your honesty about MLS. I’m about to enroll in a clinical microbiology program and uncertain about what I’m getting myself into so it’s refreshing to hear someone talk honestly about the profession. You’ll do great in whatever you decide to do because although you’re smart and hardworking you don’t let your job define who you are as a person. Cheers, and good luck!
Thanks for sharing and I wish you the best in your program! I think my most recent job change led to less variety in the testing that I get to do and less work volume. So, it brought on some of the feelings I expressed in this video. I think I just ended up in a lab that’s not a good fit. Thank you for the encouragement!!
I get what you mean about uncertainty, I had this preconceived notion of all i wanted to do was become a nurse. I got my CNA license and got into working at a nursing home. After a month or so, I just dont feel like its for me, obviously that might not be enough time but its really taking a toll on me emotionally and physically. Ive been researching fields that are less physically demanding atleast but are still engaging. Lots of options to consider and I just feel confused.
Thanks for sharing! Honestly, I think it’s enough time. It’s great that you are exploring your options now. I worked as a CNA while taking my pre-nursing classes and realized I didn’t like the work. But, people told me that nursing would be better. So I kept going into a bsn and couldn’t do it anymore by the time I got to my senior yr. I ended up switching to the lab, but I wish I had listened to myself sooner and pursued my original interests for microbiology (would’ve saved a lot of money, time and stress lol)
I understand where you are coming from. Its a great field but it would be nice if we could use the knowledge we gain a lot more. I wish you the best in what you are looking for out of a career!!
I guess I’m the only one who loves this profession 🤷🏾♂️🤣. I feel like most of our generation do not like it because we are influenced by the older generation we work with. They all look miserable and talk down on the profession when in all honesty, they are the reason this profession is the way it is, and why it hasn’t progressed in the past 50 years. I believe as they retire the profession will get better and thrive as people like us take over the lab. I have my Masters and I am getting my Tennessee supervisors license pretty soon so I can start the process of reconstructing the lab workflow and morale😁
Yes, the field definitely needs more positivity! Thanks for sharing & love that you are working towards your goals. I think I’ll find my way to LIS or Quality eventually. I’m just venting while being in a phase of redirection 😭
@@domilarae lol, no i totally understand, I change my ultimate career path every two weeks🤣 but thank you for sharing, I’ve been watching your videos since before I received my MLS certification and you have been so helpful, inspirational, and transparent!🙏🏾
Fellow MLS here! Everything you mentioned about feeling stagnant and not having room to grow. I feel that way too! It’s maddening. I am currently thinking about what moves I need to make in order to grow and advance my career so I appreciate your honesty. 😂 “No progression then it’s not a career” 👏
Yes exactly! It’s a great job and provides stability, but it’s not a bad thing to want to progress. What options have you considered? I’ve been looking into LIS mostly. I was also thinking about HLA, to just do something different in the lab lol
@@domilarae Yes same here! I am wanting to go back to school or earn certifications so I can enter the healthcare IT industry. Just recently learned that Epic software has courses you can take to become an analyst! It just seems like IT has more flexibility and more opportunities to advance your career.
The most important thing to remember is,you have to do whatever it is you like doing,sometimes it take some people a while to settle into a career,your still young and have time to find yourself,don’t beat yourself up over this it’s normal
Hey Dominique, thank you soo much for sharing your thoughts! As a new (kinda) MLS with just internship and national service work experience, I love to hear your thoughts in the field. Since I'm preparing to immigrate to the USA, your views have given me a picture on how to prepare to work over there. I love your thoughts on data science, and thank you so much for giving that example! I've been wondering what I could use data science for if I do take courses on it. I love your perspective. I'd definitely be looking forward to learning data science to add to my project management certification. ❤
Thanks for sharing! I have used DataCamp and other online resources to learn data science. GitHub and Kaggle are also great resources to see other project ideas using healthcare data. Even UA-cam has a lot of code-a-long videos that can help as you learn the programming languages.
I’m exactly the same , I’m 25 and sooo confused . I’m also in medical science and I’m almost certified but Im already looking for dif pathways I can use my certification for …. My coworkers been in the lab for like 30 years and im likeeee hoooow? Lol
I’m glad you understand and can relate. The job is fine and there’s definitely enjoyable moments, interesting finds, challenging cases, etc. But like you said, how does one do it for DECADES 🤣
I feel all of this. I think a lot of it has to do with the culture in the lab and healthcare in general. It’s a very negative, toxic environment. At least that’s what I’ve found in the two years I’ve been working. Right now I’m considering a master’s in English and looking into science writing. I just don’t feel like I can do the same thing forever. I’m very restless too 😂
You’re right, the hospital environment overall can be pretty negative. I’d like to try a different specialty, like hla - just something totally different for some variety. I was actually looking into making a science blog for hobby, science writing sounds like it’d be such a fun job!
Originally I wanted to be a pharmacist so I got into pharmacy as a tech and I’m over it. lol I have a bachelors so I decided to pivot over to trying to get into a CLS program. I recently tried transferring into my hospitals lab but they basically said they don’t want me because they don’t want to invest the time in training me because I’ll leave to CLS programs soon…I live in California it’s extremely competitive with limited seats no one gets in the first time applying. So at 29 I can assure you you can be lost at any age lol But! Its nice to be in a position where you have options and can be lost as opposed to being roadblocked and lost lol
Thanks for sharing! I didn’t know it was like that in California. It seems labs on the east coast actively recruit prospective students while they go to school
@@domilarae No that’s the crazy part! Like there is a need for CLS’s in California too but they make it so hard to become one it’s crazy lol there has been the same 5 CLS openings at my hospital for a couple months now it’s crazy. Lowkey might have to move to a diff state just to have a chance lol
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It’s hard being uncertain. I’m about to start a 2 year MLS program, and I struggle with not knowing if I’ll end up enjoying my job at the end of all of this schooling. There’s really no way to know until we try things. Your video was a good reminder that deviating from the plan and trying something new is always an option. 🫶
I completely understand where you’re coming from. One of the main reasons I decided not to become a certified MLS was because I think the job is too redundant, lacks a lot of growth, and the schedules can be horrible in my opinion. I went back and forth between MLS and Embryology because the pay of MLS is instantly better but I knew that long term, I would enjoy Andryology/Embryology so much more. I also have many years left of training so I don’t see myself being bored for a while. Your feelings are definitely valid though. I think what is also helping me as I’m now in my late 20s and already tired of working, is focusing on other things in life besides work. Traveling, dating, building a family, having a social life, etc. I love my job, but the first 2 years here I was definitely over thinking everything. I would constantly question whether or not this job is for me and will I want to do this forever. Once I started enjoying life outside of work again, it changed how I feel about work.
Thanks for sharing & glad you are enjoying embryology! You’re right about focusing on life outside of work. I didn’t feel like this up until recently, so I think getting back to prioritizing personal life would help.
i love your channel and your insight 💕 i wish you the best of the best!
I hear ya. I’m 46 and I feel like I’ve arrived at a crossroads professionally and you’re describing exactly how I feel. I started watching your channel because of your honesty about MLS. I’m about to enroll in a clinical microbiology program and uncertain about what I’m getting myself into so it’s refreshing to hear someone talk honestly about the profession. You’ll do great in whatever you decide to do because although you’re smart and hardworking you don’t let your job define who you are as a person. Cheers, and good luck!
Thanks for sharing and I wish you the best in your program! I think my most recent job change led to less variety in the testing that I get to do and less work volume. So, it brought on some of the feelings I expressed in this video. I think I just ended up in a lab that’s not a good fit. Thank you for the encouragement!!
No no bioinformatics is a great excelling field and there is definitely a space for you with all your experience.
Felt, Im looking for jobs at work while I watch this video.
I get what you mean about uncertainty, I had this preconceived notion of all i wanted to do was become a nurse. I got my CNA license and got into working at a nursing home.
After a month or so, I just dont feel like its for me, obviously that might not be enough time but its really taking a toll on me emotionally and physically.
Ive been researching fields that are less physically demanding atleast but are still engaging. Lots of options to consider and I just feel confused.
Thanks for sharing! Honestly, I think it’s enough time. It’s great that you are exploring your options now. I worked as a CNA while taking my pre-nursing classes and realized I didn’t like the work. But, people told me that nursing would be better. So I kept going into a bsn and couldn’t do it anymore by the time I got to my senior yr. I ended up switching to the lab, but I wish I had listened to myself sooner and pursued my original interests for microbiology (would’ve saved a lot of money, time and stress lol)
I understand where you are coming from. Its a great field but it would be nice if we could use the knowledge we gain a lot more. I wish you the best in what you are looking for out of a career!!
I guess I’m the only one who loves this profession 🤷🏾♂️🤣. I feel like most of our generation do not like it because we are influenced by the older generation we work with. They all look miserable and talk down on the profession when in all honesty, they are the reason this profession is the way it is, and why it hasn’t progressed in the past 50 years. I believe as they retire the profession will get better and thrive as people like us take over the lab. I have my Masters and I am getting my Tennessee supervisors license pretty soon so I can start the process of reconstructing the lab workflow and morale😁
Yes, the field definitely needs more positivity! Thanks for sharing & love that you are working towards your goals. I think I’ll find my way to LIS or Quality eventually. I’m just venting while being in a phase of redirection 😭
@@domilarae lol, no i totally understand, I change my ultimate career path every two weeks🤣 but thank you for sharing, I’ve been watching your videos since before I received my MLS certification and you have been so helpful, inspirational, and transparent!🙏🏾
Great points!
Fellow MLS here! Everything you mentioned about feeling stagnant and not having room to grow. I feel that way too! It’s maddening. I am currently thinking about what moves I need to make in order to grow and advance my career so I appreciate your honesty. 😂 “No progression then it’s not a career” 👏
Yes exactly! It’s a great job and provides stability, but it’s not a bad thing to want to progress. What options have you considered? I’ve been looking into LIS mostly. I was also thinking about HLA, to just do something different in the lab lol
@@domilarae Yes same here! I am wanting to go back to school or earn certifications so I can enter the healthcare IT industry. Just recently learned that Epic software has courses you can take to become an analyst! It just seems like IT has more flexibility and more opportunities to advance your career.
The most important thing to remember is,you have to do whatever it is you like doing,sometimes it take some people a while to settle into a career,your still young and have time to find yourself,don’t beat yourself up over this it’s normal
This is a great perspective, thank you for sharing!
Hey Dominique, thank you soo much for sharing your thoughts! As a new (kinda) MLS with just internship and national service work experience, I love to hear your thoughts in the field. Since I'm preparing to immigrate to the USA, your views have given me a picture on how to prepare to work over there. I love your thoughts on data science, and thank you so much for giving that example! I've been wondering what I could use data science for if I do take courses on it. I love your perspective. I'd definitely be looking forward to learning data science to add to my project management certification. ❤
Thanks for sharing! I have used DataCamp and other online resources to learn data science. GitHub and Kaggle are also great resources to see other project ideas using healthcare data. Even UA-cam has a lot of code-a-long videos that can help as you learn the programming languages.
@domilarae thank you so much! This is really helpful ❤️
I’m exactly the same , I’m 25 and sooo confused . I’m also in medical science and I’m almost certified but Im already looking for dif pathways I can use my certification for …. My coworkers been in the lab for like 30 years and im likeeee hoooow? Lol
I’m glad you understand and can relate. The job is fine and there’s definitely enjoyable moments, interesting finds, challenging cases, etc. But like you said, how does one do it for DECADES 🤣
I feel all of this. I think a lot of it has to do with the culture in the lab and healthcare in general. It’s a very negative, toxic environment. At least that’s what I’ve found in the two years I’ve been working. Right now I’m considering a master’s in English and looking into science writing. I just don’t feel like I can do the same thing forever. I’m very restless too 😂
You’re right, the hospital environment overall can be pretty negative. I’d like to try a different specialty, like hla - just something totally different for some variety. I was actually looking into making a science blog for hobby, science writing sounds like it’d be such a fun job!
Originally I wanted to be a pharmacist so I got into pharmacy as a tech and I’m over it. lol I have a bachelors so I decided to pivot over to trying to get into a CLS program. I recently tried transferring into my hospitals lab but they basically said they don’t want me because they don’t want to invest the time in training me because I’ll leave to CLS programs soon…I live in California it’s extremely competitive with limited seats no one gets in the first time applying. So at 29 I can assure you you can be lost at any age lol But! Its nice to be in a position where you have options and can be lost as opposed to being roadblocked and lost lol
Thanks for sharing! I didn’t know it was like that in California. It seems labs on the east coast actively recruit prospective students while they go to school
@@domilarae No that’s the crazy part! Like there is a need for CLS’s in California too but they make it so hard to become one it’s crazy lol there has been the same 5 CLS openings at my hospital for a couple months now it’s crazy. Lowkey might have to move to a diff state just to have a chance lol
Have you looked into LIS management?
Yes! I got to assist on a big project last year. There just isn’t LIS jobs in my area - I assume people don’t leave once they get in there 😂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It’s hard being uncertain. I’m about to start a 2 year MLS program, and I struggle with not knowing if I’ll end up enjoying my job at the end of all of this schooling. There’s really no way to know until we try things. Your video was a good reminder that deviating from the plan and trying something new is always an option. 🫶